How to Repair Cracks in Asphalt Driveways – A Primer

Did you find some faults or cracks following our last blog? Well, then this is for you! Welcome back to the Sunrise Asphalt blog, this time we are looking at how to repair cracks in asphalt driveways, to prevent them from going full pothole on you! Without much more preamble, let’s get into it!

How to Repair Cracks in Asphalt Driveway

So, you’ve seen the cracks developing in your asphalt since the cold has passed. If those are left untreated, they will be the asphalt’s downfall! Cracks and imperfections are the openings through which water infiltrates the otherwise sturdy structure and weakens it from within!

Crack Repair Prep

In preparing the crack for repair, it’s important to first clear the area to create a clean surface, easy to bond with materials. Any loose pieces should be fully broken off, but do be careful not to enlarge the crack and make the problem any worse. Use a brush to remove any excess debris. If you have an air compressor or even canned air, use that to clear out the crack fully. Before you go off to get to it, make sure you’re wearing eye protection!

Note: If the crack you’re looking at repairing is deeper than half an inch, you’ll need to take a few extra steps. You’ll need to first fill the crack in, using crushed gravel and compact it in with a post or steel tamper.

Apply the Filler

Whichever product you decided to use to fill your cracks, follow the instructions properly! Any changes or skipped steps simply reduce the effectiveness, possibly completely, of the process. Use a trowel, putty knife, or even a gloved finger to smooth out the surface of the crack. Any bumps, ridges, or difference in the surface create a place for debris to gather. When debris gathers it can attract and pool water and moisture, so make sure you’re creating the smoothest service possible with this repair.

Let Set

Once the filler has been applied allow it to dry and cure however long the instructions require. Again, moving too fast and driving over it before it has fully set will drastically reduce the effectiveness of the crack. This usually means letting the surface set for 24 hours at a minimum, with no traffic to compromise the surface structure.

But here’s the thing. While that store-bought crack filler easy to apply – and cheap to boot – it will dry up, shrink, and become completely useless rather quickly. Is it still a fix? Yes, but it’s a temporary one at best. Hire professionals and take proper care of your asphalt so you can avoid needing repairs as often.

When the road really needs repair, you call in the experts at Sunrise Asphalt! We can have a professional crew out there to fill cracks with hot rubberized crack filler that will last until you’re ready for an all new surface. Contact us, get a free estimate, and have a great driveway once again. We will see you next time on the blog, until then we hope every road you travel is a smooth one.